Craniofacial implant integrating ultrasound technology

1 . A craniofacial implant, comprising:

a low profile intercranial device including a static cranial implant and a functional neurosurgical implant, the static cranial implant being sonolucent and including an outer first surface and an inner second surface; and

an ultrasound transducer in the form of an array of ultrasound transducers that automatically adjusts frequency and gain of the ultrasound transducers to assist in gathering the necessary image data that then may be processed for patient diagnosis and treatment.

2 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 1 , wherein the craniofacial implant is manufactured from clear poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

3 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 1 , wherein the craniofacial implant is optically lucent, and radiolucent.

4 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 1 , wherein the craniofacial implant is radiolucent.

5 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 1 , wherein the functional neurosurgical implant includes an ultrasound transducer integrated with the static cranial implant.

6 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 5 , further including an additional functional neurosurgical implant.

7 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducer is pre-set to frequencies, gain, and/or field of view for imaging and interacting with neuroanatomy, the ultrasound transducer operating between 1 MHz and 9 MHz when the ultrasound transducer is used for imaging purposes and the ultrasound transducer operating between 150 KHz to 1.2 MHz when the ultrasound transducer is used for therapeutic purposes.

8 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 7 , wherein the ultrasound transducer operates at a frequency of approximately 1 MHz to approximately 3 MHz, a dynamic range of approximately 55 dB to approximately 65 dB, and a gain of approximately 55 dB to approximately 70 dB.

9 . A craniofacial implant, comprising:

a low profile intercranial device including a static cranial implant and a functional neurosurgical implant, the static cranial implant being sonolucent and including an outer first surface and an inner second surface; and

an ultrasound transducer in the form of an array of ultrasound transducers that automatically adjusts frequency and gain of the ultrasound transducers to assist in gathering the necessary image data that then may be processed for patient diagnosis and treatment, the ultrasound transducer is separate and distinct from the static cranial implant, wherein the ultrasound transducer works in conjunction with the functional neurosurgical implant that has been integrated into the static cranial implant.

10 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 9 , wherein the static cranial implant includes an alignment feature.

11 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 10 , wherein the alignment feature includes a series of markings at different depths within the static cranial implant.

12 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 9 , wherein the ultrasound transducer is pre-set to frequencies, gain, and/or field of view for imaging and interacting with neuroanatomy, the ultrasound transducer operating between 1 MHz and 9 MHz when the ultrasound transducer is used for imaging purposes and the ultrasound transducer operating between 150 KHz to 1.2 MHz when the ultrasound transducer is used for therapeutic purposes.

13 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 12 , wherein the ultrasound transducer operates at a frequency of approximately 1 MHz to approximately 3 MHZ, a dynamic range of approximately 55 dB to approximately 65 dB, and a gain of approximately 55 dB to approximately 70 dB.

14 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 9 , wherein the cranial implant is further provided with predefined locations for positioning of the ultrasound transducer.

15 . A craniofacial implant, comprising:

a low profile intercranial device including a static cranial implant and a functional neurosurgical implant, the static cranial implant being sonolucent and including an outer first surface and an inner second surface; and

an ultrasound transducer in the form of an array of ultrasound transducers that automatically adjusts frequency and gain of the ultrasound transducers to assist in gathering the necessary image data that then may be processed for patient diagnosis and treatment, the ultrasound transducer is integrally formed with the static cranial implant, wherein the ultrasound transducer works in conjunction with the functional neurosurgical implant that has been integrated into the static cranial implant.

16 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein ultrasound imaging through the static cranial implant allows for imaging confirmation of blood flow immediately after surgery.

17 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein ultrasound imaging through the static cranial implant allows for imaging confirmation of blood flow during follow-up examinations.

18 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein ultrasound imaging through the static cranial implant allows for imaging confirmation of blood flow to desired locations within a brain.

19 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein ultrasound imaging through the static cranial implant allows for imaging visualization of, and guidance during, interventional procedures to guide a wire and/or catheter through neurovasculature to a desired location in a brain.

20 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein ultrasound imaging through the static cranial implant allows for activation of a contrast agent as it passes a particular point of interest and is subjected to ultrasound for activation thereof.

21 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein ultrasound imaging through the static cranial implant allows for drug delivery.

22 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 15 , wherein the ultrasound transducer is pre-set to frequencies, gain, and/or field of view for imaging and interacting with neuroanatomy, the ultrasound transducer operating between 1 MHz and 9 MHz when the ultrasound transducer is used for imaging purposes and the ultrasound transducer operating between 150 KHz to 1.2 MHz when the ultrasound transducer is used for therapeutic purposes.

23 . The craniofacial implant according to claim 7 , wherein the ultrasound transducer operates at a frequency of approximately 1 MHz to approximately 3 MHz, a dynamic range of approximately 55 dB to approximately 65 dB, and a gain of approximately 55 dB to approximately 70 dB.